George Michael gave away his money in secret and didn't want his generosity to be known.

George Michael was beloved for his incredible talent but what the world didn’t know before his death was how generous he was with his wealth. Stories of his thoughtful acts are being shared with fans, friends and charities paying tribute to the generous star who died on Christmas Day of suspected heart failure, aged 53.In one instance, Michael donated AUD $25,600 to a game show contestant who said she was competing on the show to fund IVF treatment. The good deed was shared by UK TV presenter, producer and director Richard Osman.

Michael also gave a woman in a cafe $42,600 after overhearing her crying over how much debt she had.

Charities in the UK are also sharing their stories, with Childline founder Esther Rantzen saying Michael gave every single cent of his royalties from 1996 hit Jesus To A Child to the charity which assists children in need through a phone counselling service.

2016 will go down as one of the worst years for celebrity deaths, with many incredibly talented and beloved stars gone.

Children were certainly close to his heart, with more stories of his generosity to children's charities being shared on Twitter. Charity advocate Kate Waugh shared a story she was told about Michael's anonymous donations to another children's charity.

Friends say Michael was passionate about charity work but wanted to contribute anonymously, asking recipients to keep his donations a secret. Actress and activist Emilyne Mondo said the singer had asked her not to tell anyone about the time he spent volunteering at a homeless shelter.

The singer also supported HIV and sexual health charities after losing his partner Anselmo Feleppa to HIV. Michael's friends said Feleppa's death 'shattered' the star. Donations to British HIV charity the Terence Higgins Trust followed and he also donated royalties from Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me, his 1991 duet with Elton John to the charity.

His mother Lesley Angold Panayiotou died in 1997 from cancer and following her death, George Michael gave a free concert to the NHS nurses who cared for her. He then reportedly gave an AUD $8500 tip to a bartender when he found out she was a nursing student. Both stories were shared by UK journalist Sali Hughes.

Michael also supported causes including striking miners, Palestine and the homeless, reports The Guardian.

George Michael was found dead in bed by his partner, Australian born hairdresser Fadi Fawaz, 'lying peacefully' in bed at home in Goring, Oxfordshire in the UK on Christmas Day.

Michael was a regular visitor to Sydney after performing at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gra after party in 2010, eventually buying a holiday home, Palm Beach Villa, at Whale Beach in Sydney. He also spent time at Fawaz's home in Queensland.

The singer is being remembered for his incredible talent and generosity at the end of a difficult year of celebrity deaths. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans as they adjust to this terrible loss.

We remember George Michael, his incredible talent, his amazing smile.